It has recently been brought to our attention that inmates are suffering extreme abuse at the hands of corrections officers in Uinta Unit inside Utah State Prison in Draper, UT. There is proof that the abusive situation in this unit has been a long term problem that has yet to be corrected by the state of Utah in spite of multiple deaths and lawsuits. Former Utah DOC directors, Lane McCotter and Gary Deland both stepped down amid scandals of abuse and inmate deaths inside USP while under their direction and control. After leaving UTDOC both men went on to set up and manage Abu Garib where they created yet another torturous and abuse filled prison. This lends even more credibility to the claims that abuse in Utah prisons has been well documented and yet, ignored.
To Whom It May Concern,
It has recently been brought to our attention that inmates are suffering extreme abuse at the hands of corrections officers in Uinta Unit inside Utah State Prison in Draper, UT. There is proof that the abusive situation in this unit has been a long term problem that has yet to be corrected by the state of Utah in spite of multiple deaths and lawsuits. Former Utah DOC directors, Lane McCotter and Gary Deland both stepped down amid scandals of abuse and inmate deaths inside USP while under their direction and control. After leaving UTDOC both men went on to set up and manage Abu Garib where they created yet another torturous and abuse filled prison. This lends even more credibility to the claims that abuse in Utah prisons has been well documented and yet, ignored.
According to numerous well documented complaints, copies of inmate grievances, corroboration from former inmates as well as sworn statements from inmates, the abusive conditions continue to this day. Inmates in Uinta Unit are in danger from corrections officers who are out of control and should be held criminally liable for their actions. Inmates have provided sworn statements and written permission to use their names publicly and have agreed to cooperate with investigators and media to stop the abuse that they have either been subject to or have been witness to that is being inflicted by the officers who are paid to protect them.
We are asking for these conditions to be exposed and for the public be made aware of what is being done to men who are living in sub-standard and sub-human conditions. Loss of freedom is the punishment prescribed by the court. Corrections officers who take it upon themselves to add more punishment on top of the court mandated imprisonment increase the odds of dangerous, angry and damaged people being released back into society and thereby, placing us all in more danger.
For questions or requests of copies of inmate grievances and statements, please contact Rebecca McFarland at prccstaff@yahoo.com.
Snail mail requests can be sent to:
Prison Reform Community Center
P.O. Box 674
Las Cruces, NM 88004
Thank You for Your Time,
